Are indobufen and aspirin the same type of drugs? What is the difference between them?

An elderly friend told Huazi that the doctor prescribed him a drug called indobufen, saying that it can also be used to reduce platelets and prevent blood clots. He asked Huazi, is indobufen the same drug as aspirin, or the same drug as warfarin, and what is the difference between them?

Huazi told him that indobufen is a new antiplatelet drug. From the perspective of pharmacological action, it is different from warfarin and is a similar drug to aspirin.

1. Similarities and differences between indobufen and aspirin

Function: Indobufen and aspirin are both antiplatelet drugs that can inhibit platelet aggregation and can be used to prevent thrombotic diseases.

Pharmacological mechanism: Aspirin has a relatively simple pharmacological mechanism, which is to produce antithrombotic effect only by irreversibly inhibiting the action of cyclooxygenase. Indobufen has more effects, which can reversibly inhibit cyclooxygenase and also inhibit platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP), adrenaline and platelet activating factor, collagen and arachidonic acid.

Number of times to take the medicine: Aspirin irreversibly inhibits platelets and can be taken once a day. Indobufen reversibly inhibits platelets and requires two doses a day.

Adverse reactions: Both increase the risk of bleeding. Aspirin affects the secretion of prostaglandins in the human body, which can easily cause digestive tract damage. Indobufen has little effect on the secretion of prostaglandins and rarely causes digestive tract symptoms. Even if adverse reactions occur, they are very mild.

Cost-effectiveness: Aspirin is an old drug that has been on the market for more than 100 years, and the daily price is only a few cents. Indobufen is a new drug, and the price is more expensive, and the daily price is more than 10 yuan.

Application: It takes 7 days for platelet function to fully recover after stopping aspirin, so it is more suitable for daily long-term prevention of thrombosis. Platelets can return to normal 24 hours after stopping indobufen, so it is more suitable for short-term antiplatelet treatment for patients who need surgery.

2. The difference between antiplatelet drugs and warfarin

Aspirin, indobufen and warfarin all affect the body's coagulation function, but the mechanisms are different. Aspirin and indobufen are antiplatelet drugs that inhibit the aggregation of platelets, while warfarin is an anticoagulant drug that inhibits the function of coagulation factors.

Antiplatelet drugs are used to prevent cerebral infarction, myocardial infarction and other diseases caused by atherosclerosis. Anticoagulants are mainly used to prevent cerebral infarction caused by atrial fibrillation, pulmonary embolism caused by lower limb venous thrombosis and other diseases. The two types of drugs have different indications and cannot replace each other, but they can be used in combination.

3. Rational use of drugs to avoid overtreatment

The benefits of drug efficacy and the risk of adverse reactions exist at the same time. Drug treatment is recommended only when the benefits outweigh the risks. Generally speaking, only people who have suffered from cerebral infarction, myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease, carotid artery stenosis of more than 50%, peripheral arterial occlusive disease and other diseases need antiplatelet therapy.

People with atrial fibrillation who cannot convert to normal heart rhythm, or those who need long-term lower limb immobilization (such as trauma, surgery, etc. that limit lower limb movement), need long-term anticoagulant treatment to avoid blood clots in the atria and lower limb veins, and prevent serious complications such as cerebral infarction and pulmonary embolism.

The medication is not recommended for people without relevant indications.

In summary, indobufen and aspirin are similar drugs that can inhibit platelet aggregation and prevent thrombosis. However, there are few clinical studies on indobufen and little clinical evidence, so aspirin still occupies a major position among antiplatelet drugs. The drug must be used under the guidance of a doctor. If you have any questions about the use of the drug, please consult a doctor or pharmacist. I am pharmacist Huazi, welcome to follow me and share more health knowledge.